Hike & Cycle Ancient Angkor Watt

Explore on two wheels as you venture back in time through the majestic temples of Angkor, cycling past the stilted houses of Tonle Spa and Chong Kneas , and through rural villages that to this day, cling to their traditional way of life.

Tour Highlights

Learn of the mighty Khmer Empire as you hike the holy Mount Kulen. You’ll find your reward in the sweeping views over the Angkor plains.

Share a smile with the enigmatic faces of the Bayon Temple before getting your Indiana Jones on while climbing through the ruins of Ta Prohm.

Spend all day exploring the beautiful Angkor temples by bicycle. Take the scenic back roads through the rural Cambodian countryside to Ta Prom Temple. Caught in the slow process of being swallowed by the jungle, the tree-and-vine choked towers of Ta Prohm make it one of the most atmospheric temples in Angkor.

Admire the multi-faced edifice of Bayon temple located in the centre of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. This perfectly square, 9-kilometre-by-9-kilometre city is an astounding relic of Khmer stonework. To get there, we’ll cycle along a forest road, passing the 12th-century Hindu temple Thommanon.

Ancient Angkor Cambodia – Full Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival Siem Reap

Welcome to Cambodia! Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Siem Reap, located just 7 kilometres from Angkor is the ancient seat of the Khmer Empire and the largest pre-industrial city in the world.

Enjoy the rest of your day relaxing or exploring Siem Reap at your own pace. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, handicraft shops and some lively nightlife, along with the usual crowd of touts and travellers.

For dinner, you’ll sample local Khmer cuisine at the Palate Restaurant. (D)

3 nights at The Frangipani Villa Hotel & Spa or similar

Day 2 – Angkor by Bike

Spend all day exploring the beautiful Angkor temples by bicycle. First, you will take scenic back roads through the rural Cambodian countryside to Ta Prom Temple. Caught in the slow process of being swallowed by the jungle, the tree-and-vine choked towers of Ta Prohm make it one of the most atmospheric temples in Angkor.

Next, you will head to the many-faced edifice of Bayon temple located in the centre of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. This perfectly square, 9-kilometre-by-9-kilometre city is an astounding relic of Khmer stonework. To get there, we’ll cycle along a forest road, passing the 12th-century Hindu temple Thommanon on the way. Enter Bayon by the North Gate of Angkor Thom, then cycle along the wall to Bayon temple.

After working up a healthy appetite, tuck into lunch at the home of a local family who will prepare a traditional Khmer meal. After lunch, saddle up again for a ride to Angkor Wat, the most famous Angkorian temple. Angkor Wat was built by several generations of Khmer engineers and labourers in the 12th century, evolving over the years from a Hindu place of worship to a Buddhist one. The temple is so beloved by the Khmer people and so symbolic of the Khmer spirit and culture that its distinctive silhouette is on the Cambodian flag. It’s the only building in the world to be featured on a national flag. Transfer by van back to the hotel.

Tonight is yours to explore or relax. To get away from the hustle and bustle, go for a quiet walk along the Siem Reap River or take a remork (a Cambodian tuk tuk) to the Angkor Silk Farm 20 minutes outside of town. (B,L)

Cycling Distance: 40 km of dirt road

Day 3 – Kulen Mountain

Today explore Siem Reap and its verdant surroundings by bike and by foot. After breakfast, embark on a 36 kilometre ride to Kulen Mountain, a holy and historical site where King Jayavarman II proclaimed independence from the kingdom of Java in 802 CE and founded the first Khmer state. The mountain became the first capital of the Khmer Empire. Ride on quiet forest paths and dirt roads edged by rice paddies and cashew plantations. Along the way, pass the hilltop temple of Phnom Bok.

Rattanak Tey Pagoda at the base of Mount Kulen is where you will drop off your bikes and continue your ascent on foot. After 88 steps, stop for a short break in the shade of Preah Chup, where you’ll encounter 16th-century Buddhist statues. Continue for four more kilometres, crossing the “River of 1,000 Linga” (divine phallic figures), to arrive at the temple of Pres Ang Thom, which houses a startling, 17-metre-long reclining Buddha.

After you’ve explored the ruins of Pres Ang Thom and drink in the spectacular views over the forest canopy, enjoy a picnic lunch by a rushing waterfall. Feel free to wade into the cool water or to jump right in for a dip. After you’re sated and refreshed, hike back to the pagoda where a car will be waiting to transfer you back to Siem Reap. (B,L)

Cycling Distance: 50 km on dirt roads

Hiking: 2 hours

Day 4 – Departure

After breakfast, explore a different, watery side of rural Cambodia with a cycling trip to the floating village of Chong Kneas. Providing employment to a staggering 10 percent of the population of Cambodia, the Tonlé Sap Lake—the largest body of freshwater in Southeast Asia—is a bustling world of commerce. Your trail will meander through the countryside, and you can stop to visit some of the locals on the way if the mood takes you. As you ride, you’ll glimpse Cambodian farm life as you pass people working the rice fields. A friendly wave is sure to elicit a wave back. At the mighty Tonlé Sap, take the boat to visit the stilted houses and floating markets of Chong Kneas before returning to the hotel by van.

In the afternoon, we’ll wish you safe onward journey and transfer you to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure flight. (B,L)

Cycling distance: Approximately 13 km of flat country road

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